Edwin Chen, CEO of Surge AI, has voiced strong criticism against the term „Datenbeschriftung“ (data labeling), arguing that it misrepresents the complex, creative work his company does. Speaking on Lenny Rachitsky’s podcast, Chen explained that the phrase evokes simplistic, repetitive tasks—like tagging cats in photos or drawing boxes around cars—when in reality, the process is far more nuanced. Having previously held roles at Google, Twitter, and Meta, Chen brings deep technical insight to the AI data industry. He founded Surge AI in 2020 as a competitor to firms like Scale AI and Mercor, and the company now partners with Anthropic while operating DataAnnotation.tech, a platform connecting freelance contributors—often called „ghost workers“—to AI training projects. These remote workers play a crucial, though invisible, role in shaping how AI systems understand the world. Chen reframes data labeling not as mechanical annotation, but as a form of intellectual and ethical mentorship. He likens the process to raising a child: just as parents instill values, creativity, and emotional intelligence, Surge AI’s work shapes AI’s understanding of context, nuance, and human experience. “You don’t just feed a child information,” he said. “You teach them what’s beautiful, what’s right, and the subtle layers of being human.” This philosophy is reflected on Surge AI’s website, which poses the question: „What made Hemingway, Kahlo, and von Neumann extraordinary?“ The answer? Life experiences—love, war, loss, exploration. „Data does for AI what life did for them,“ the site claims, suggesting that well-curated data can foster intelligence capable of profound innovation. Chen also shared personal reflections on entrepreneurship. Despite his Big Tech background—including creating the viral „Pop vs. Soda“ map on Twitter—Chen initially believed starting a company would require him to transform into a stereotypical exec: attending endless meetings, obsessing over fundraising, and constantly promoting himself. Instead, he found that staying true to his technical roots and focusing on building a high-quality product allowed Surge AI to succeed without the noise. „You don’t need to become someone you’re not,“ he said. „You can build a successful company by simply making something so good it cuts through the clutter.“ He regrets not knowing this earlier and believes it could have accelerated his journey. Industry observers note that Chen’s perspective reflects a growing shift in how AI training is understood—not as mere data entry, but as a form of cultural and cognitive engineering. Surge AI’s emphasis on quality and ethical data curation positions it as a leader in the move toward more responsible AI development. With its unique blend of technical rigor and humanistic vision, the company exemplifies a new generation of AI infrastructure firms that value depth over hype.